Delta Air Lines, BRECAN Join Forces to Intensify Breast Cancer Awareness in Nigeria
Delta Air Lines has joined forces with the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) to expand breast cancer awareness, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen public education on the disease across Nigerian communities.
The partnership, which was part of activities marking the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, seeks to promote greater understanding of breast health, encourage women to seek timely medical attention and provide support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
The collaboration reached its peak with an awareness campaign organised in Lagos on 31 October 2026. The event featured an awareness walk, educational sessions on breast cancer and an interactive engagement with survivors, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of early detection and access to appropriate healthcare.
During the programme, participants received information on breast health, possible warning signs of breast cancer and the need to consult qualified medical professionals whenever unusual changes are noticed. The campaign also emphasised the importance of appropriate screening and timely diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.
Speaking on the initiative, Delta Air Lines’ Manager, Sales, West Africa, Mary Gbobaniyi, said the airline’s corporate responsibility extended beyond providing air transport services to making meaningful contributions to the communities in which it operates.
According to her, breast cancer remains a major concern because of its impact on individuals, families and society, making sustained public awareness and early detection essential in addressing the disease.
She explained that the partnership with BRECAN provided an opportunity for Delta to support grassroots education, encourage individuals to seek medical attention without delay and reassure patients that they could count on the support of their communities.
Gbobaniyi said the airline remained committed to initiatives that promote public well-being and create positive social impact beyond its core aviation business.
Founder of BRECAN and 29-year breast cancer survivor, Dr Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, called for a stronger healthcare response to breast cancer in Nigeria, particularly through improved access to screening facilities, diagnostic services and affordable treatment.
She identified financial difficulties, delayed diagnosis, misinformation and inadequate access to healthcare as some of the major obstacles confronting women battling the disease.
Akeredolu expressed concern that many women only seek medical attention when breast cancer has reached an advanced stage, reducing their chances of benefiting from early intervention and effective treatment.
She stressed that the situation required more than public awareness campaigns, calling for improved healthcare infrastructure, financial assistance for patients and stronger psychosocial support for survivors and their families.
The BRECAN founder also urged Nigerians to sustain the momentum of breast cancer advocacy beyond the annual awareness campaign in October.
She maintained that the fight against the disease required continuous public education, compassion and collective commitment throughout the year, rather than concentrating attention on a particular month.
According to her, the challenges associated with breast cancer do not disappear at the end of October, making it necessary for individuals, organisations and government institutions to maintain their commitment to prevention, early detection and patient support.
The Nigerian initiative is also connected to Delta Air Lines’ wider international commitment to breast cancer research and patient assistance through its longstanding partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Since 2005, Delta has collaborated with the foundation to support scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge of breast cancer, improving prevention strategies and developing more effective treatment options.
In October 2026, the airline announced that its partnership with BCRF had generated $36 million in contributions, supporting more than 720,000 hours of breast cancer research.
The airline has also maintained public awareness initiatives through its distinctive pink-and-white Breast Cancer One aircraft, which recognises employees who have been affected by the disease and reinforces the importance of continued research and advocacy.
Other activities include fundraising campaigns during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, onboard opportunities for passengers to contribute towards research and the SkyWish miles-donation programme, through which customers can donate miles in support of relevant causes.
Delta said its collaboration with BRECAN was designed to complement these global efforts by addressing local awareness gaps, challenging misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and encouraging Nigerians to take responsibility for their breast health.
The airline called on individuals, families and communities to maintain open conversations about breast cancer, support those undergoing treatment and encourage anyone experiencing unusual breast changes to seek professional medical advice promptly.
The partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the private sector and healthcare advocacy organisations in confronting breast cancer, particularly in countries where late diagnosis, financial barriers and limited access to specialised services continue to affect patient outcomes.
